The coronavirus may be making headlines, but don't forget about the flu

The coronavirus may be making scary national headlines at the moment, but we should all be thinking about ways to protect ourselves from the flu as well. Those that have been affected by the coronavirus thus far have traveled to the region of China where the virus first appeared. The flu, on the other hand, is very active in the US right now. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 15 million people have fallen ill from the flu.  People often overlook the flu as a serious threat, but in reality, this severe respiratory virus causes more hospitalizations and deaths every year than many of the viruses that tend to make headlines. 

Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Let's make no mistake, the coronavirus is a serious virus. The World Health Organization has reported more than 6,000 globally confirmed cases and around 130 deaths. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that one case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Chicago. However, health officials continue to report that the risk of coronavirus in the United States still remains low and that there is no immediate threat to the general public and no special precautions are required at this time. 

According to the CDC, patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
  
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you have been in China within the past 2 weeks and develop symptoms, call your doctor and tell them about your symptoms before arriving. 

Prevention

According to the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. As for the flu, the CDC recommends that people receive their flu vaccination every year. Although the flu shot can not 100% guarantee that a person won't contract the flu, the flu shot can often lessen the severity of illness even if a person does get the flu.

In reality, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself against both the coronavirus and the flu is to simply wash your hands and practice good hand hygiene habits. The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions to help mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Sources: The Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and the Chicago Department of Public Health